Bee’s Knees Lifetime Achievement Award

Cardwell Garden Centre director Eric Gallagher was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Bee’s Knees awards ceremony held at Greenock Town Hall on Friday 1st June.

This award recognises the most admired businessman or woman within the Inverclyde business community and the coveted bee trophy will be proudly displayed at the Garden Centre. Elaine Stewart, President of Greenock Chamber of Commerce, adds:

From modest beginnings in Gourock, Eric Gallagher started a family business in the 1960s. Within the first five years it had outgrown its location and later moved to a fabulous new spot just a stone’s throw down the coast. Although challenging and exposed, it was a location outstanding in its surroundings and outlook. Along with the family, Eric overcame each challenge, growing the business steadily over the years. It has become one of the largest and best in its sector not just in Scotland but across the UK.

From its original two acres site, the business now spans 19 acres. His business has been blooming for decades. It has received several awards over the years, including a Bee’s Knees trophy, and Eric himself picked up the highest accolade awarded by the International Rotary Club in 1999 for services to charity. In 2008, he was awarded an extremely rare certificate of merit from the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society for significant contribution to horticulture in Scotland. He says the business wouldn’t be where it is today without the help of his family and important staff, many have been with them for more than 20 years – one’s even notched up more than 40 years!

He is celebrating already this year – 50 glorious years in business. He says “there is still a lot to do and I can’t wait to get on with it!“